Smeaton to play in mid-week bowls grand final

SMEATON has pulled off one of the great escapes in yesterday’s Ballarat District Bowls division one midweek semi-final, coming from more than 20 shots down midway through the match to defeat Sebastopol at Webbcona.

The ladder leaders and premiership favourites stormed home to secure a 72-68 win and a spot in this season’s grand final.

Helen Mizzeni’s rink proved to be the deciding factor, with her four coming back from a substantial deficit to eventually triumph over Sebastopol skipper Jenny Harman 28-27.

Smeaton skipper Elizabeth Cosgrave was surprised at the overall result but believes the side is more galvanised than the one that finished runner-up in last season’s final.

“We were well behind at afternoon tea, and when I looked at the scoreboard fairly late in the match I was shocked to see that we were only about three shots down,” Cosgrave said.

“We’ve probably got more experience now. Last year we only just got to the four, and we’re now getting more confidence in ourselves.”

Cosgrave’s rink had a comfortable victory over Joan Dunn’s four, 25-15, while Rhonda Armstrong’s rink was defeated by Jan Gordon’s team 26-19.

Yesterday’s other semi-final saw Central Wendouree’s A side thrash Creswick to the tune of 51 shots, 96-45.

Next week’s preliminary final will see Sebastopol take on Central Wendouree A for the second grand final spot.

michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au

Maxine Rousch of Smeaton lines one up during the semi-finals of the midweek division one pennant against Sebastopol yesterday. PICTURES: JEREMY BANNISTER